# A Tradition of Service to the Crown: The Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of 1308
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the ancient lineage of the Barony and its enduring tradition of service to the Crown, exemplified by the role of Henry de Lacy, a predecessor, at the coronation of King Edward II.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1308, within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey, King Edward II was crowned Sovereign of England. The solemnities of that winter day were a grand affair of state, conducted amidst the soaring Gothic arches of the recently rebuilt Abbey church. The ceremony was not merely a pageant but a sacred covenant, binding the new monarch to his people and his realm under God.
This historical moment is of particular significance to the Barony of Brattleby, as it marked a poignant public display of trust vested in one of its most distinguished historical holders. The chronicles of the age record that Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was granted the signal honour of bearing the Sword of State, a duty reserved for the kingdom’s most powerful and loyal noblemen.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for over nine centuries. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its story is one of steadfast duty. This legacy was embodied by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
By the early 14th century, the Barony had passed into the hands of Henry de Lacy, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I and a commanding figure in the realm. His selection for a key role in the coronation of Edward II was a direct affirmation of his stature. This tradition of high service would continue through subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, the celebrated soldiers and statesmen Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
Henry de Lacy performed his ceremonial function in the presence of the great magnates of the kingdom and visiting dignitaries. The central figures of the rite were, of course, His Majesty King Edward II and his new consort, Her Majesty Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France.
Surrounding the royal couple were the great officers of state and the most senior nobility, including Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, and the Bishops of Winchester, Durham, and Salisbury. The presence of these powerful figures underscored the gravity of the occasion, which served as both a confirmation of the new monarch’s authority and a delicate rebalancing of political alliances at a critical moment of royal succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The coronation ritual is an ancient and complex sequence of symbolic acts. The bearing of the Sword of State, known as the *gladius cum puncto*, is one of its most visible elements. Representing the monarch's temporal power and their duty to defend the good and punish the wicked, the sword is carried unsheathed and upright before the Sovereign in the procession.
For a nobleman to be entrusted with this role was to be publicly acknowledged as a pillar of the throne—a testament to his personal loyalty and military prowess. De Lacy’s performance of this duty symbolised his role as a guardian of royal authority, a responsibility inherent in the most senior baronies of England. This visible act of fealty was a *sine qua non* for the stable beginning of a new reign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of Henry de Lacy. His public service at a moment of national importance exemplifies the twin virtues of strength and integrity that the House seeks to uphold. This principle of dutiful courage has been a constant through the Barony’s long history.
This historical ethos complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to build a lasting and positive legacy through determined effort and unwavering commitment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy is the inspiration for the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While service in the 14th century was often martial and political, today it finds its expression in civic and charitable duty. The concept of defending the vulnerable, once symbolised by the sword, is now manifest in the House’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiaries.
The primary focus of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises funds and awareness for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, embodying the House’s commitment to protecting and nurturing the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of history. The actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy are not merely points of trivia; they are reminders of the profound responsibility that comes with the title. His service reminds us that our primary duty, then as now, is one of unwavering service, undertaken with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The continuity of this legacy is truly remarkable. While the world has changed immeasurably since 1308, the fundamental principles of loyalty and contributing to the stability and wellbeing of the community remain the same. Upholding this tradition and adapting it for our times is a challenge we embrace wholeheartedly.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historic foundations with a forward-looking vision. This commitment is demonstrated not only through its charitable endeavours in the United Kingdom but also through cultural initiatives abroad, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and protocol.
By commemorating its past, the House reaffirms its commitment to the principles that have guided it for centuries. This reflection on a singular act of service in 1308 serves as a renewed pledge to contribute positively and dutifully to society today, ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve with purpose and relevance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to preserving and promoting a legacy of honour and public service. While rooted in nearly one thousand years of English history, the House maintains a distinctly international outlook from its seat in Lincolnshire and offices in London and Bucharest. Its modern mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education, with a particular emphasis on charitable support for vulnerable children through its philanthropic initiatives. The House is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to acting with strength, integrity, and a deep sense of duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating with the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Lincolnshire landholder. The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As a prescriptive barony, its ancient rights and dignities persist to the present day. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, its first holder, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com